440 what am I missing here?

Still no answer on if it has headers or not.
Even something like “shorty” headers wouldn’t be doing that combo any good.

Want it to be a monster when needed but still have the gearing to hit the highway at a decent rpm.

As you’re experiencing....... the current combo falls short of that goal.
It’s likely going to require a different approach to the basic configuration to get there.

Everyone’s perspective is different, but I don’t see you ending up with the “monster” part, if you get the driveability aspect really dialed in, with it remaining a stock stroke combo.

On the other hand, you can get it more monster-like if you’re willing to lose some street worthiness.

How to get both?
Well....... that’s where the stroker attributes kick in.